Method and Apparatus For Controlling Water Supply of Washing Machine

ABSTRACT

An apparatus of controlling water supply in a washing machine is provided. The apparatus includes a key-input part, a controller, a heater, and a pulsator. A user inputs a washing condition using the key-input part. The controller controls a washing cycle to be performed according to a washing course selected through the key-input part and controls washing water to be supplied over a multi-step during a water-supply cycle. The heater heats the washing water according to a control signal of the controller. The pulsator performs an agitation motion according to a control signal of the controller. Also, a method of controlling water supply in a washing machine is provided. According to the method, a washing condition is inputted. Washing water is supplied over a multi-step. The heater and the pulsator operate during the water supply. When the water supply is completed, a washing cycle is performed according to a selected course.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to a washing machine, and more particularly, to an apparatus and a method of controlling water supply in a washing machine capable of minimizing power consumption and improving washing efficiency by having a heater and a pulsator operate when washing water reaches a predetermined temperature.

BACKGROUND ART

Generally, a washing machine is an electronic appliance for washing a laundry by sequentially performing a water-supply cycle, a washing cycle, a rinsing cycle, and a spinning cycle according to a set program.

Since a related art washing machine uses washing water of room temperature directly supplied from a water pipe, not only the temperature of washing water is low and detergent dose not effectively dissolve in the washing water, but also a laundry stained with old dirt is not effectively washed. Accordingly, to solve the above problems, a heater is installed at the lower portion of a washing tub to heat the washing water to a predetermined temperature using heat generated from the heater, so that the detergent is completely dissolved and the laundry can be effectively washed.

However, in the case of a washing machine having the heater therein, a user should keep operating the heater from an initial stage of a water-supply cycle so as to supply the water and heat the water to a temperature set by a washing course selected by a user, which causes a high power consumption.

Also, the related art washing machine performs heating without washing operation while the heater operates during the waster-supply cycle, so that washing efficiency deteriorates.

DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION Technical Problem

An object of the present invention is to provide an apparatus and a method of controlling water supply in a washing machine capable of minimizing power consumption by allowing a water-supply cycle to be performed over a multi-step and allowing a heater to operate when the temperature of washing water supplied to a reservoir tub reaches a predetermined temperature.

Another object of the present invention is to provide an apparatus and a method of controlling water supply in a washing machine capable of not only completely dissolving a detergent contained in washing water but also performing a micro-washing cycle before a main washing cycle starts by having a pulsator operate simultaneously with a heater during a water-supply cycle.

Technical Solution

One aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of controlling water supply in a washing machine including: receiving a washing condition; supplying washing water over a multi-step so as to reach a set temperature according to a selected course; operating a heater and a pulsator while the washing water is supplied; and performing a washing cycle according to a selected course when the supply of the washing water is completed.

Another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of controlling water supply in a washing machine including: receiving a washing condition through a key-input part; receiving an operation command through the key-input part; primarily supplying cool water and hot water simultaneously into an inside of a reservoir tub; secondarily supplying only hot water and stopping the supply of the cool water; and controlling an operation of a heater and/or a pulsator according to temperature of the washing water stored in the reservoir tub.

Still another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of controlling water supply in a washing machine, wherein cool water and hot water are simultaneously supplied until the water reach an initial set temperature or an initial set water level, and then only the hot water is supplied until the water reaches a final set water level during a water-supply cycle for washing; and when the water supply is completed, an operation of a heater and/or a pulsator is controlled depending on whether a temperature of washing water reaches a final set temperature.

ADVANTAGEOUS EFFECTS

According to the above apparatus and method of controlling water supply in the washing machine, washing water is supplied over a multi-step and the heater is controlled to operate when the washing water reaches a predetermined temperature, so that power consumption required for operating heater reduces.

Also, since the heater and the pulsator are simultaneously operated, the detergent swiftly dissolves and the micro-washing is performed before the main washing cycle, so that washing efficiency improves.

Also, since the washing water is supplied over a multi-step and the heater operates at a predetermined point, a time required for the washing water to reach a set temperature reduces, which shortens a washing time.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The above objects, other features and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent by describing the preferred embodiments thereof with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an apparatus of controlling water supply in a washing machine according to the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a water-supply process according to a method of controlling water in a washing machine supply according to the present invention; and

FIG. 3 is a flowchart of a method of controlling water in a washing machine supply according to the present invention.

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

To achieve these and other advantages and in accordance with the purpose of the present invention, as embodied and broadly described, there is provided an apparatus of controlling water supply in a washing machine including: a key-input part for inputting a washing condition; a controller for controlling a washing cycle to be performed according to a course selected by the key-input part and controlling washing water to be supplied over a multi-step during a water-supply cycle; a heater for heating the washing water according to a control signal of the controller; and a pulsator for performing an agitation motion according to a control signal of the controller.

MODE FOR THE INVENTION

Reference will now be made in detail to the preferred embodiments of the present invention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an apparatus of controlling water supply in a washing machine according to the present invention

Referring to FIG. 1, the apparatus of controlling water supply includes a key-input part 100 for a user to input a washing condition and select a washing course, a water-level detection part 201 for detecting a water level according to water amount, a water-temperature detection part 202 for detecting a water temperature according to the course selected by the key-input part 100, a controller 300 for controlling a relevant cycle to be performed according to the course selected by the key-input part 100, a load driver 500 for controlling operations of the heater 600 and the motor 700 according to a control signal of the controller 300, a display part 800 for displaying an operation status according to a control signal of the controller 300, and a memory device 400 for storing various reference values. In detail, the controller 300 controls the temperature of washing water to reach a temperature set by a course selected by a user by allowing the washing water to be supplied over a multi-step. When the heater is controlled to operate during the water-supply operation, the controller 300 controls the pulsator (not shown) to simultaneously perform an agitation motion by simultaneously driving a motor 700.

In operation, when a user selects a desired washing course using the key-input part 100 and inputs an operation command, the controller 300 outputs a control command so that a cycle may be performed according to the selected course.

At this point, the controller 300 controls to perform detection of water amount first to set a water level according to the detected water amount and controls water to be supplied so as to reach the set water temperature according to the selected course. When the washing water reaches the set temperature and level, the supplying of the washing water stops and the pulsator regularly operates to perform a washing cycle. When the washing cycle finishes, the washing water is drained to the outside along a drain hose and clean washing water is supplied again. When the supplying of the washing water is completed, a rinsing cycle is performed. When the rinsing cycle is completed, a spinning cycle is performed, so that all of the washing cycles are completed.

FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a water-supply process according to a method of controlling water in a washing machine supply according to the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 2, the washing water is supplied over at least two steps according to the inventive method of controlling water supply in the washing machine. Hot water and cool water are selectively or simultaneously supplied in each of the washing cycles.

In detail, the cool water and the hot water are simultaneously supplied during a primary water-supply interval A and on only the hot water is supplied during a secondary water-supply interval B. After that, the heater 600 is selectively controlled to operate depending on water temperature. Also, the pulsator (not shown) can be controlled to perform an agitation motion by driving the motor 700 simultaneously with the heater 600. When the washing water reaches a set water temperature, a relevant cycle is performed with the heater 600 not operated during a washing cycle interval C.

In more detail, when a user inputs a washing condition and presses an operation button, the washing water is supplied. Here, the primary water supply is performed until the washing water reaches the first set temperature set in advance according to a control signal of the controller 300. At this point, the cool water and the hot water are simultaneously supplied.

For example, in the case where the first set temperature is about 32° C., when water temperature detected by the water temperature detection part 202 is detected to be the first set temperature, the primary water supply is finished. Also, when the primary water supply finishes, the supply of the cool water stops and only the hot water is supplied up to the set water level according to detection of water amount. Subsequently, when the detected water temperature does not reach a temperature set by the above-selected course after the water supply up to the set water level finishes, the heater 600 is operated so that the washing water may reach the relevant water temperature.

In the meantime, when the heater 600 starts to operate, the motor 700 is controlled to operate simultaneously so that the pulsator (not shown) may perform an agitation motion simultaneously with the operation of the heater 600. In other words, two-step water supply is preformed such that the primary water supply increases a detergent density with a small amount of water to remove a primary pollution and the secondary water supply supplies only the hot water to reduce a time for which the heater 600 operates. Since only the hot water is supplied during the secondary water supply, a time required for the temperature of the washing water to reach a set temperature is shortened. Also, since the washing water is supplied over a multi-step as described above, power consumption reduces. Also, it is possible to improve washing efficiency by operating the motor 700 while the heater 600 operates.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart of a method of controlling water in a washing machine supply according to the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 3, a user inputs a power-on command (S110) and selects a washing course (S120). At this point, the temperature of washing water is set according to the above-selected washing course. After that, when a user inputs an operation command (S130), the primary water supply is performed (S140). Here, cool water and hot water are simultaneously supplied during the primary water supply. Also, an amount of the washing water supplied during the primary water supply, i.e., the first set water level may be automatically set by a program.

Also, whether the washing water reaches the first set temperature is judged (S150) during the primary water supply (S140). If the temperature of the washing water reaches the first set temperature as a result of the judgment, the secondary water supply starts (S170). On the contrary, if the temperature of the washing water does not reach the first set temperature as a result of the judgment, it is possible to judge whether the water level of the washing water reaches the first set water level (S160). Also, in the case where the water level is judged to have reached the first set water level, it is possible to control the primary water supply to finish and the secondary water supply to start regardless of whether the washing water reaching the first set water level or not. On the contrary, in the case where the water level is judged not to have reached the first set water level, it is possible to control the secondary water supply to start.

In the meantime, unlike the primary water supply, only the hot water is supplied during the secondary water supply.

In detail, in the secondary water supply, whether the washing water reaches the second set water level is judged (S180). If the washing water is judged to have reached the second set water level, whether the washing water reaches the second set water temperature is judged (S190). If the washing water is judged to have reached the second set water temperature, a washing cycle is performed according to a set course (S220). On the contrary, if the washing water is judged not to have reached the second set water temperature, a heater is controlled to operate (S210). Here, the operation of the heater and the pulsator is performed until the washing water reaches the second set water temperature. When the washing water reaches the second set water temperature, the operation of the heater stops and the pulsator is controlled to regularly operate. Here, when the washing water reaches the second set water temperature, both the heater and the pulsator can be controlled to stop their operations and the pulsator can be controlled to operate again during a washing cycle. A washing cycle, a rinsing cycle, and a spinning cycle are performed according to a set course. When all of the cycles are performed, all of the cycles are finished.

Although the preferred embodiments of the present invention have been disclosed for illustrative purpose, those skilled in the art will appreciate that various modifications, additions and substitutions can be made without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention as defined in the accompanying claims.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY

According to an apparatus and a method of controlling water supply in a washing machine, power consumed for operating the heater reduces and a time required for heating the washing water to a set temperature reduces. 

1. An apparatus of controlling water supply in a washing machine comprising: a key-input part for inputting a washing condition; a controller for controlling a washing cycle to be performed according to a course selected by the key-input part and controlling washing water to be supplied over a multi-step during a water-supply cycle; a heater for beating the washing water according to a control signal of the controller; and a pulsator for performing an agitation motion according to a control signal of the controller.
 2. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the controller supplies cool water and hot water simultaneously or supplies only the hot water.
 3. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the heater operates when only hot water is supplied.
 4. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the heater and the pulsator simultaneously operate.
 5. A method of controlling water supply in a washing machine comprising: receiving a washing condition; supplying washing water over a multi-step so as to reach a set temperature according to a selected course; operating a heater and a pulsator while the washing water is supplied; and performing a washing cycle according to a selected course when the supply of the washing water is completed.
 6. The method according to claim 5, wherein the supplying of the washing water comprises: supplying cool water and hot water simultaneously; and supplying only hot water.
 7. The method according to claim 6, wherein the operating of the heater and the pulsator comprises: operating the heater and the pulsator until the washing water reaches the set temperature during the supplying of only the hot water.
 8. The method according to claim 6, wherein the supplying of the cool water and the hot water comprises: judging whether the washing water reaches the set temperature or a set water level to control the supplying of cool water.
 9. The method according to claim 5, wherein the operating of the heater stops during the washing cycle.
 10. A method of controlling water supply in a washing machine comprising: receiving a washing condition through a key-input part; receiving an operation command through the key-input part; primarily supplying cool water and hot water simultaneously into an inside of a reservoir tub; secondarily supplying only hot water and stopping the supplying of the cool water; and controlling an operation of a heater and/or a pulsator according to temperature of the washing water stored in the reservoir tub.
 11. The method according to claim 10, wherein the primarily supplying of the water comprises: detecting a temperature of the supplied washing water to judge whether the temperature reaches a set temperature; and detecting a water level of the supplied washing water to judge whether the water level reaches a set water level.
 12. The method according to claim 11, wherein the supplying of the cool water stops when it is judged that the washing water reaches the set temperature or the set water level.
 13. The method according to claim 10, wherein the controlling of the operation of the heater and/or the pulsator comprises: operating the heater and/or the pulsator until the washing water reaches the set temperature during the secondarily supplying of the water.
 14. The method according to claim 10, wherein the secondarily supplying of the water comprises: judging whether the washing water reaches a predetermined set water level and; and if the washing water is judged to have reached the predetermined set water level, judging whether the washing water reaches a predetermined set temperature.
 15. The method according to claim 10, wherein the controlling of the operation of the heater and/or the pulsator comprises: controlling the heater and/or the pulsator to operate after the washing water reaches a predetermined set water level by the secondarily supplying of the washing water.
 16. A method of controlling water supply in a washing machine, wherein cool water and hot water are simultaneously supplied until water reaches an initial set temperature or an initial set water level, and then only the hot water is supplied until the water reaches a final set water level during a water-supply cycle for washing; and when the water supply is completed, an operation of a heater and/or a pulsator is controlled depending on whether a temperature of the washing water reaches a final set temperature.
 17. The method according to claim 16, wherein the heater stops when a washing cycle starts.
 18. The method according to claim 16, wherein the pulsator stops when the washing water reaches the final set temperature and operates again when a washing cycle starts.
 19. The method according to claim 16, wherein the pulsator keeps operating even when the supplying of the washing water is completed. 